The anatomy of the throat

The sinuses are air-filled cavities found in the bones of the face, around the nose and eyes. Like the nasal passages, the sinuses are lined with mucosa which moistens the air that is breathed in, and fine hairs (cilia) that help to remove potentially harmful substances. There are four sets of sinuses, named after the bones of the skull in which they sit: frontal (just above each eye), maxillary (behind the cheekbones near the jaw), sphenoid (each side of the forehead at the temples) and the ethmoid (around the nasal cavity). 

The nose is probably most strongly associated with the sense of smell, but it is also hugely important for breathing. Hairs on the inside of the nasal passages filter out particles, and air becomes moist and warm as it travels further into the respiratory tract. Irritation of the nasal mucosa is the main reason why sneezing and a runny nose occurs – they are the body’s way of removing irritants and managing infections. 

The throat is the passage from the mouth to the pharynx. The pharynx has three sections:

• The nasopharynx comprises the upper portion and contains the adenoids as well as being the space into which the eustachian tubes open from the ears
• The oropharynx lies behind the mouth and contains the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that prevents food going down the trachea (windpipe) into the lungs
• The hypopharynx, also known as the laryngopharynx, is the lowest section and marks the point at which the oesophagus and trachea go their separate ways. 

The pharynx also contains the tonsils, which are lymph glands that help to fight infection. 

The larynx marks the division between the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The larynx contains the vocal cords, which produce sounds and is another safety check for the body in terms of making sure food and air are sent in the correct direction.